Beginners Guide to Cloud Storage in 2021
Here’s the thing:
If you search for a good guide to cloud storage today, you’ll find lots of them.
But the bitter truth is, most of the guides use technical jargon that’ll leave you wondering how cloud storage works. And I won’t blame you if that happens, honestly.
Well, cloud storage still confuses several people, especially the non-techies. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
It’s more straightforward than it sounds. And in this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you should know about it.
What is the cloud?
Before we discuss cloud storage and cloud computing, you should understand what cloud means.
Well, the cloud is a platform we use for doing cloud computing and cloud storage on virtual data centers that are accessible via a web interface.
Here’s the visual representation:
Source: Cloudflare
Well, you use the cloud several times.
For example, say you lose your phone today and want to access your data on Gmail or maybe Instagram, you can borrow my phone, log into your accounts, and you’ll find everything intact.
Easy peasy.
Cloud storage defintion (And how it works)
Cloud storage entails storing data on remote servers and accessing them via the cloud/ internet.
The best thing with it is that you transfer the responsibility of security, hosting, and maintaining the servers to a third-party cloud provider and pay for storage as a service.
You’ve also used cloud storage multiple times. For example, Google Photos gives users free 15 GB of storage. You can back up your data and retrieve it anytime.
But if you need more space or run out of it, you’ll have to pick a premium plan that fits your needs.
Let’s now look at how cloud storage works.
Here’s a quick overview of the process before I get into the details :
- Choosing a good cloud storage platform.
- Uploading your files like music, video, or photos.
- Syncing it with your device and access your data anywhere.
Assuming you’ve picked your preferred cloud storage platform like Google, the provider will host your data on servers you’ll access via a web interface worldwide.
These servers are virtual machines hosted on physical servers. They are interlinked together, and the one you connect to channels your data to multiple data centers.
Assuming you need more storage space, the cloud provider will create additional virtual servers to meet your demand.
Cloud storage vs. cloud computing: are they the same?
Yes, cloud storage and cloud computing are interconnected, but they’re two different things.
Here’s how they’re intertwined:
To utilize cloud computing, you’ll have to use the data in cloud storage. For example, if a social network that uses cloud computing, e.g., Facebook, gets access to your data, they’ll process it, make it useful then send it back to you.
Here’s where the difference between the two comes in:
Like we mentioned, cloud storage allows you to store and retrieve data via the internet.
But with cloud computing, you’ll connect to a remote computing infrastructure through a network. The infrastructure can be software, processing power, etc.
Examples of networks taking advantage of cloud computing include online banking apps and webmail platforms.
Types of Cloud storage
Before we look at the different types of cloud storage, it’s worth knowing what cloud storage architecture entails.
Well, it covers everything you need to create a cloud computing network, including databases, front and back end-platforms, applications, and many more.
We have several types of cloud storage architecture and they use unique cloud storage solutions like private, personal, private, and hybrid that we’ll discuss below.
Public cloud storage
Several public cloud providers like Google, Amazon Web Services offer public cloud storage services. They control their cloud architecture and offer it as a cloud service.
To understand how they work, the providers operate like a wealthy farmer who owns large farms, splits, and rents them out to several people at affordable rates.
The other benefits of public cloud storage platforms include reliability and high scalability.
Private cloud storage
We have private cloud storage, which is similar to renting one big home for yourself. And that’s why organizations (banks, agencies) with vital data use it.
Private cloud infrastructure can either reside on a third-party vendor or on-premise. And it’s worth going for if you want security, scalability, and flexibility of cloud storage.
Hybrid cloud storage
Next, we have hybrid cloud storage that combines the functionality of private and public cloud storage. And that makes it a good fit for organizations that need the flexibility of the duo.
For instance, you’ll use public cloud storage to share files with your team using Google Cloud services. And if you need extra security, private cloud storage is there for you.
In short, hybrid cloud storage is flexible, and allows you to exploit the functionalities of both the public and private cloud storage services.
The pros and cons of cloud storage
Here are the advantages of cloud storage:
- Saves on costs. Remember, cloud vendors buy space in bulk and pass the benefits down to you. You’ll enjoy reduced storage costs instead of building expensive in-house storage capacity.
- Security. Assuming ransomware attacks your computer today (God forbid) and you’re using a cloud storage platform, your data in the cloud will be safe. Ransomware can’t access them due to the tight security measures cloud vendors put in place.
- Flexibility. Cloud-based services favor remote businesses. Your employees, customers, and business owners will access their data anywhere and anytime with an internet connection.
- Date replication. A good cloud storage platform replicates the user’s data in multiple data centers to reduce the risk of loss.
Let’s now look at the cons of cloud storage:
- Dependent on an internet connection. It’s a no-brainer that you’ll need the internet to retrieve your data in the cloud. Also, remember that low download speeds and low latency levels can limit you from accessing your data.
- Latency issues. Sometimes you’ll experience delayed data transmission from the cloud due to traffic congestions. But you can solve the issue by boosting your connection bandwidth.
- Limited control. Collaborating with third-party cloud vendors is cool, but it comes with limitations like the providers having more control over your data than you.
- Security issues. Like most online platforms, cloud storage platforms are susceptible to security breaches.
How to Choose Cloud Storage
You’ve seen the pros and cons of cloud storage platforms, and now you want to know how to choose the best one, eh?
Don’t worry.
Here’s everything you should look into before you partner with any cloud storage vendor:
Prioritize security
Did you know that 83% of Enterprises reported that security is a major issue when it comes to cloud computing in 2020?
Well, it’s better you store your data offline than on a cloud platform that hackers can crack.
The best cloud storage services have security measures like firewalls, anti-virus detection, data encryption, and many more.
And before you partner with any provider, scan through their security records or inquire about any security breaches.
Look for backup features
Cloud storage platforms handle backups and restorations differently.
If you are ever-adding new files to the server, choose a service that offers continuous data backup to reduce the risk of data loss.
You’ll also want to know if you’ll retain or lose old data after exhausting your storage limit. And so on.
Reliability and performance
To tell if a vendor is reliable, look at their cloud service’s performance against their service level agreement (SLA) for the past year.
Yes, downtime is bound to happen, but the difference between a good and poor vendor is how they handle the situation. A good one will communicate whenever any issues arise.
Do they have customer support?
You’ll need help with technical issues, and the first place you’ll run to is the support. If your vendor doesn’t have one, you’ll waste time figuring out the tech stuff alone. So, partner with vendors that offer 24/7 customer support.
Best cloud storage in 2021
There are more than 20 cloud storage platforms, but not all of them as good as the vendors describe them.
Here are the best ones out there:
IDrive.
This is the best budget-friendly storage platform online.
It gives users a whopping 5 to 10 TB for personal use while the pros get 250 to 12.5 TB space.
IDrive business supports unlimited user sign-in and server backup.
You’ll enjoy continuous file syncing, sharing through social networks like Facebook, and quick file restoration.
pCloud
If you hate dealing with costly renewal fees, pCloud is the right storage for you.
It’s a reliable personal cloud space you can use to keep your vital data safe. You can also pay an extra $4.99 to lock your personal files using pCloud Crypto.
With the PCloud business plan, you’ll get 1 TB space inclusive of pCloud Crypto.
Google Drive
Google Drive has a powerful integrated Google AI that comes in handy for personal or business needs (G Workspace).
The business plan offers unlimited space for storing photos and an additional 2 TB. It costs $99 annually, and you can share the space with up to 6 people.
The only downside is Google drive isn’t straightforward unless you’re familiar with G Suite, now G workspace.
Microsoft One Drive
Microsoft OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage space. And it suits Microsoft diehards familiar with Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, and more work.
Their best plan so far is the Microsoft 365 Family, which costs $99.99 a year. You’ll get 6 TB storage space you can share with up to 6 users.
The truth about cloud storage
There are many benefits of using the cloud, and your enterprise is missing out on a lot if you’re still ignoring it.
Overall, this guide has everything you should know about cloud storage.
It’s now up to you to pick a cloud storage platform that matches your needs. And while you do so, remember to prioritize security, reliability, and customer support.